PD Anxiety

Traveled to the Community Ministry today where I sit on the board of directors. Stopped by a local grocery for coffee. While there some folks stepped aside to allow me a faster access. Arrived at the office and a persons shouted across the lot, "can I help you". All with compassion. If I had been in their shoes I probably would have done same. In a restaurant I feed myself differently.  Leading Sunday School on rotation. More diffickt than befire bt akk are understanding.  I have discovered the most difficult are those who do not know how to react to me.

Sure there are giggle an stares and always will be, but they do not control mine or your life.

A few weeks ago I walked into Church and saw the greeter in the distance and (with my head slumped forward called out I need a periscope". I heard a giggle in response and the stress was gone. About 15 years ago I was walking the corridor of City Hall. I sensed someone behind me. Turned around and discovered it was Muhammad Ali. As I approached the door I opened it, extended my hand as said "hello Champ" to which he gave a gentle smile.

Little did I know. . .

Sometimes a PD public encounter is like the first date jitters. Once done, its OK.

The Village of Louie – the beginning

 

In this modern fable we hear the story of Louie, the quiet village by the river.  All was peaceful until several years ago when Louie attacked the surrounding lands.  From that victory came the Kingdom of Louie.  All went well for several years until the King noticed the treasure room was becoming increasingly bare.

“What shall we do” asked the King of his advisors who replied “more tribute is needed.  Many serfs are suffering and the countryside is in need of repair”.  The King asked in a frustrated manner “where will the tribute come from.  I have my priorities and cannot be bothered with these everyday expenses . . . “  to which his advisors replied “your ruling class does not want to be bothered or responsible, Let’s go to the serfs who must purchase their products”.

Rather than levy a tax directly against the serfs it was decided give the serfs the power to tax themselves.  In the end everyone felt good, the serfs became poorer and the kingdom of Louie’s treasure room was refilled.  For a day all were filled with that warm and fuzzy feeling and the Kingdom of Louie was filled with treasure.  The King was happy and the ruling class relieved.

Reflecting upon Wednesdays Families Helping Families Event

 

In SLCM Strategic you'll read a quote Michael Harrington who states in his seminal work

The Other America, "It is an ethical proposition, and it can be simply stated: In a nation with a technology that could provide every citizen with a decent life, it is an outrage and a scandal that there should be such social misery....We must perceive passionately, if this blindness is to be lifted from us. A fact can be rationalized and explained away; and indignity cannot."

SLCM whose mission states

To exist as an interfaith association of churches, established to coordinate the efforts of various services to the community in order to enhance the religious, educational, social, health, economic and community development to improve quality and dignity of life.

Simply stated, I could not agree more.  Since the great recession of 2008 cities across America have looked inward for ways to revitalize, renew, and redevelop themselves or whatever you want to call it.  Inwardly urban America is dealing with deteriorating infrastructure, housing in place long after its projected life cycle and thousands of families left behind in America's urban core. The SLCM community of 80,000+ occupies that core and we're the operating paradigm that renews our community.

On February 27 families, many with deep South Louisville roots, corporations such as Churchill Downs, and Saints Mary and Elizabeth Hospital  joined Annual Fund co-chairs Dolores Delahanty and Tim Firkins in what  will be a turning point in South Louisville history.  

So Little Effort

Received a bill this week for part of a medical procedure that I did not receive.  The doctor made the decision at the last minute that it was not necessary.  Apparently the system broke down.  It was a small mistake, but nevertheless an error.  I had signed a form a few minutes earlier granting permission.  After all was done I told my Wife that I did not receive the service but thought that we need to check billings as they arrived.  Well sure enough we were billed. 

I later checked with insurance who paid the bill and  informed me they were they had the invoice in hand indicating the service had been performed ($400),  Rather than the company following up I was told to "call the doctor's office "who performed the procedure.  When told of the error their recommendation was for me to contact the invoice  originator of which I have done.   Well it is not a lot of money, but no one seems to care.  Since then I have written the originator noting the error and asking for correction,  What is disappointing is the fact that no one in the billing cycle seemed to care.  It would have taken so little effort.   How much more could be controlled simply if someone cared enough to follow up?

 

Feb 15 - My Birthday and other Stuff!

Havin' Fun

Birthday memories?  I am not sure why I was thinking of this particular one, bur my 10th birthday came to mind.  It was 1959 and I was sitting in our family car, 1954 Chevy Bel Air.  Parked at the Zorn Avenue location it was early afternoon; Mom and Dad were visiting my Uncle recovering from back surgery.  Don't know why it stood our because I cannot recall any other events that day.  But I acted responsibly. Fast forwarding 7 years my father was killed and I reached ot to my Uncle as a special one until his death is 1991.

Fast forwarding to 1989 my 40th birthday.  Cindy and I had met her 3 years prior and proposed to her on Valentines Day 1991.    I know today will be filled with surprises.  40th birthday!  Oh my gosh, a long time ago.

Is Facebook Evolving?

Feb 1
Sitting the den today and out of the bitter cold and filled with miscellaneous thoughts.  The unintended consequences of Facebook and other social media always amaze me.  Posted a photo of a neighborhood from my childhood and discovered a former work colleague had family members in the area.

Yesterday I met with area business owner about an idea that will enhance value and potential of the New Cut Trolley Road Hop.

Discussed with another individual the issue of poverty, impact on families and ways to eliminate needless “silo thinking”.

I am reminded of the parable in the book of Matthew:

4 As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5 Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6 But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. 9 Whoever has ears, let them hear.”

Our words have value.  Sow them wisely.